Buddhibhed - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Buddhibhed" by Bechardas Doshi, focusing on its content and the example of Rohak:

Book Title: Buddhibhed (Discrimination of Intellect) Author: Bechardas Doshi Publisher: Z_Sangiti_004849.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/249428/1

Core Concept: The Variety of Intelligence

The text begins by acknowledging the inherent differences in intelligence among individuals. It highlights that some possess extraordinary capabilities, such as foresight, sharp intellect, and exceptional talent, which are always impressive. The Jain tradition, according to the Nandi Sutra, categorizes intelligence into four main types:

Ouppattiki (Natural/Innate Intelligence): This is intelligence that is inherent and present from birth, requiring no external learning or practice.
Venayiki (Acquired Intelligence): Intelligence gained through study, practice, and adherence to rules.
Karmayaja (Intelligence born from Karma): Intelligence developed through past deeds and their consequences.
Parinamiki (Intelligence from Result/Ripening): Intelligence that matures with age and experience.

The text emphasizes that the Nandi Sutra recognizes these four types and no others. This particular excerpt focuses on illustrating the first type: Ouppattiki – natural, innate intelligence.

The Pervasiveness of Consciousness and Intelligence

The text broadens the discussion to assert that all Indian philosophical systems accept the existence of an unbroken consciousness. This consciousness is considered the exceptional form of the soul, and the entire universe is seen as its manifestation. This consciousness is present in various forms of life:

Earth, water, fire, air, and plants: These are considered "Sthavara" (immobile) beings with only the sense of touch.
Mollusks, leeches, etc.: These have two senses (touch and taste).
Ants and similar creatures: Possess three senses (touch, taste, and smell).
Bees and similar insects: Have four senses (touch, taste, smell, and sight).
Cows, snakes, parrots, humans, etc.: These have five senses (touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing).

The text notes that beings with one to four senses have minimal mental capacity and are often considered "mindless." However, five-sensed beings, particularly those born from wombs, clearly exhibit the ability to think about the past and future, indicating the presence of a mind. While consciousness is present in all these beings, its manifestation varies. Human beings exhibit the highest degree of this manifested intelligence.

Rohak: An Example of Ouppattiki Intelligence

The core of the excerpt is the detailed story of Rohak, a young boy who exemplifies innate intelligence (Ouppattiki).

The Vivid Memory of Ujjain: Rohak, a five-to-seven-year-old boy traveling with his father Bharat, a stage performer, to Ujjain, meticulously observes the entire city. He then redraws the city in the sand by the Sipra river, including its 84 market squares, wide lanes, temples, and monasteries, with astonishing accuracy.
The King's Discovery and Initial Tests: The king, impressed by Rohak's detailed depiction of his capital, questions him. Rohak asserts he saw the city for the first time that day. The king, seeking a wise minister among his 499, decides to test Rohak's intelligence.
The Stone Canopy: The king orders the village to construct a roof for a royal pavilion using a large stone from outside their village. The villagers are perplexed by this seemingly impossible task. Rohak devises a practical solution: excavate beneath the stone, support it with pillars of varying sizes, fill the gaps with decorative panels, and paint everything vibrantly. He even designs stairs and a royal throne beneath the canopy. The king is amazed by this ingenious solution.
The Cockfight: The king sends a single cock and instructs the villagers to make it fight another cock without any other cock present. Rohak suggests placing a large mirror in front of the lone cock. The cock, seeing its reflection, believes it's another cock and fights vigorously.
The Golden Sand Ropes: The king asks for strong ropes made from golden sand found by the river. Rohak cleverly replies that as dancers, they know how to dance but not weave ropes. He asks the king to send some sample ropes made from sand, as he assumes the king, being more advanced, must have made them before. The king is left speechless.
The Sick Elephant: The king sends a dying royal elephant, asking the villagers to care for it and report its daily news without explicitly stating it has died. Rohak advises them to keep feeding and caring for the elephant. When it eventually dies, Rohak instructs them to report to the king that the elephant is no longer eating, standing, defecating, or breathing, but without using the word "dead." The king, forced to infer the death, is again stumped.
The Timid Well: The king requests the village well filled with sweet water to be sent to his city. Rohak explains that their village well is timid and has never seen a city. He suggests the king send a city well to the village so their well can befriend it and gain the confidence to travel to the city.
Reorienting the Garden: The king orders the eastern garden to be moved to the west. Rohak suggests moving the village to the east of the garden, thereby naturally placing the garden to the west of the village.
Cooking Rice Without Fire: The king asks for rice pudding to be cooked without fire. Rohak advises soaking the rice in water and placing the plate of rice on very hot cow dung cakes and straw, utilizing the residual heat to cook it.

Rohak Becomes the Chief Minister

After witnessing Rohak's extraordinary intelligence in overcoming all impossible tasks and providing witty, unanswerable responses, the king recognizes his unparalleled brilliance. He tests Rohak further, and satisfied with his quick wit and ability to outsmart him, the king appoints Rohak as his chief minister, considering him the most intelligent among all his ministers. Rohak efficiently manages the kingdom, improves relations with vassal kings through diplomacy, and crafts effective foreign policies, ensuring the kingdom's prosperity and security.

Conclusion

The text concludes by reiterating that all of Rohak's actions were a demonstration of his innate, natural intelligence (Ouppattiki). The story serves as a testament to the inherent capabilities of intelligent individuals, as recognized and categorized within the Jain tradition.